International Journal of Civil Engineering Research

T Murali Krishna ¹, G. Ravikumar ², M. Krishnaveni ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engg., Sree Sastha Institute of Engg. & Tech., Chembarambakkam, Chennai-600 123, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Chemical Engg., Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Centre for Water Resources, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, ID

Abstract

Drought, a vague phenomenon, has been defined and analyzed in various ways. Drought assessment involves analysis of spatial and temporal varying water related data. GIS is ideally suited for processing and analyzing such kind of data and to produce high quality maps. Using these capabilities, a GIS database can be created and drought severity maps can be produced. Drought assessment is being performed by different researchers using various methods. Drought severity in an area or basin is generally assessed in meteorological, hydrological and agricultural contexts. In this study, meteorological drought assessment was carried out using India Meteorological Department (IMD) method. Meteorological Drought Severity Index (MDSI) was developed based on the frequency analysis of IMD method. Vellore district, one of the drought prone district in Tamil Nadu State was selected as the study area. The methodology was applied for Samba season (major crop season) of the study area. Drought severity map was prepared in GIS environment giving blockwise meteorological drought severity status.

Keywords

Drought, Meteorological Drought, IMD Method, Geographic Information System

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